Sex Offender Registration

Arizona Sex Offender Registration Law

According to Arizona law, a person who is adjudicated guilty for sexual violations is required to register as a sex offender.  This applies to anyone with a conviction in Arizona or in any other state.  The standard of registry in Arizona if the person is convicted in another state is whether the case would have been considered a sexual offense in Arizona.  If so, the person is required to register in our state as a sex offender.  The only exception to this rule is those who have been adjudicated “insane” in the legal sense.

Some of the reasons a person may have to register as a sex offender include:

• Kidnapping or unlawful imprisonment of a person 18 or younger if the kidnapper was not the child’s parent;
• Sexual contact with a minor of any type;
• Sexual assault of a spouse prior to 2005;
• Prostituting a child or engaging in human trafficking of minors;
• Sexual exploitation of a minor, including for purposes of pornography;
• Sex trafficking.

Those required to register as sex offenders are subject to severe penalties if they do not do so; the crime of non-compliance is listed as a Class 4 felony under the law.  This means that in addition to the penalties already imposed by the conviction of a sex crime, you could face additional jail time, revocation of probation, additional fines and other consequences.

Those who are registered as sex offenders will appear on a public registry.  This means that employers, friends, relatives and others can find your name and read about your alleged crimes.  This is one reason that a vigorous defense of any sexual charges is so important.  Conviction carries life-altering consequences and many people do not realize how serious these charges can actually be.

If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Arizona or another state, it is not too late to seek the advice and representation of a criminal defense attorney.  An attorney with experience in handling sex crimes and their aftermath can help you explore the options you may have to deal with the fallout of a sex crimes conviction.  When dealing with prosecutors, government agencies and others, it is usually best to have legal representation so that your rights are fully protected and all of the options available are open to you to clear your name or deal with the aftermath of a sex crimes conviction.